Soumare set to make Philadelphia Union season debut after asking for trade

The 27-year old defender, who is a former Fire player, joined the Union from French club Boulogne in June last year but has made just one MLS appearance for the club.

At the beginning of the 2013 season the Malian asked for a trade, which Philly said they would grant, but he will now be called upon to make a second appearance for the Union, ironically with both being against the Fire for whom he played over 60 times between 2007 and 2009.

"I just want to play. That's all I want. There will be a day where I'm retired and I'll be in Chicago for the rest of my life. I don't have to go there now. I'm at the point where I just want to play."

He added: "This is so ironic. But I love it. It's great. It's part of the sport where things can happen and it works out.

"I love Chicago. It's my home. It's a club I played for and had a lot of success. I have very close friends on that team. It's going to be fun more than anything. I'm just looking forward to being back on the field and having fun. I really miss playing."

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.